God certainly desires to save us not through our own righteousness, but through the righteousness and wisdom of someone else or by means of a righteousness which does not originate on earth, but comes down from heaven. So, then, we must teach a righteousness which in every way comes from without and is entirely foreign to us.
Christ desires to have our hearts so free and divested (of our own righteousness and wisdom) that for our sins we fear no denial of grace and for our virtues we seek no glory and vain satisfaction. We even should not boast before men of the righteousness which is ours from Christ; nor should we allow ourselves to be cast down by the sufferings and afflictions which are sent to us by Him.
A true Christian should renounce all things — (all righteousness and wisdom) — that in honor and dishonor he always remains the same, assured that whatever honor comes to him belongs to Christ, whose righteousness and gifts of grace shine forth from Him, and that whatever reproach he endures is inflicted on Christ, (who is in him). (Martin Luther)
by Richard Shin
There seems to be innumerable articles talking about the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on DOMA. I would like to point you to a few that I think are well worth reading:
- First off, Joe Carter on 9 things you should know about the about the Supreme Court cases on marriage.
- Jesse Johnson from the Cripplegate has two articles worth reading: one is on the history of Prop 8 and the other on the charade of the Californian judicial system.
- Ron Belgau on First Things looks at the way Paul developed his arguments with his audience on the various heresies of his time. And while it doesn’t change the fundamental thrust of the Gospel message, it does change the way we approach those around us.
- Denny Burk and Al Mohler both commenting on waiting for the other shoe to drop.
- Russell Moore on what must change in the Christian witness.
- Denny Burk, or more accurately Ben Domenech, on the heart of the issue of the marriage debate.
And a few more to top off an already-full Weekly Links post:
- Tim Challies has an insightful article on how God does not owe us a happy ending. Indeed, not everyone lives the Disney fairy tale.
- Nathan Busenitz has a fantastic article on why we believe in the 66 books that we do.
- Jonathan Parnell on the boldness of knowing Jesus.
That should be good for now. Have a great weekend, everyone.
Coram Deo